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09 October, 2014

7 Things World Leaders Should Learn From Sheikh Zayed

7 Things World Leaders Should Learn From Sheikh Zayed

Thanks to the integrity and vision of Sheikh Zayed and his successors, in short of half a century, the UAE has taken the world by storm.

“If only [country] were like this,” is a phrase we hear a lot in the UAE. We think a few of the world’s “leaders” could learn a few things from this great man.

1. Vision

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also known as the “Father of the Nation”, ruled Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004 and was the first President of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed took his love and respect for traditional values, the environment and transformation and applied it to the nation. He personally funded the first modern school. He had a vision for the UAE, uniting it as one and pushing international limits in all industries.

2. Put your country first

No one can deny that the UAE is where it is today because Sheikh Zayed put the UAE’s best interests first. Unlike many corrupt leaders, Sheikh Zayed’s initiatives were always for the nation. HRH (High Royal Highness) took a Bedouin desert land and transformed it into one of the biggest hubs of the world. Where there was no water, they put water. Where there was sand and beach, they created man-made islands. The impossible was made possible to put the UAE on the map.

3. Love and respect your people

The UAE takes care of its own. Whether it’s housing, education or a laptop, the government makes sure its citizens are in good hands. Have you ever noticed the lack of Emirati residents around the world? They go home, that’s why. There’s almost zero brain drain in the UAE. There is so much love and respect towards citizens that expat residents feel the love, too. They even spread love and joy through initiatives like #MyDubai and #HappyDubai. When your country takes care of you, you take care of the country.

4. Foreign Relations

The world doesn’t mess with the UAE. They’ve managed to place themselves in a powerful position that is both respected, a little intimidating and yet liked. Sheikh Zayed made sure that the UAE stands up for its beliefs in the global forum, while maintaining positive diplomatic ties.

5. Tolerance

It’s not uncommon to find a woman in a short skirt and tank top walking next to another in a abaya and veil. Most often than not, they keep to themselves and don’t judge each other. To each his own. Sheikh Zayed and his successors have welcomed expats from around the world who have made the UAE their home. As long as they’re respecting the culture, everyone’s tolerant of the other.

6. Respect for Rules

Every country has rules and everyone country has those who break them. What’s strange though, is that people are terrified to break the rules in the UAE. They don’t mess around: You’re either put in jail or deported. The best part is, people don’t want to be sent home (or go to jail), so they behave.

7. Humility

The Emirati royal family is ballin’. We all know that. Between islands and cruiseline yachts, they’re rolling in riches – but you would never feel it. Their humility is contagious. Sheikh Zayed was known for his humble generosity, as are his successors.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Maktoum of Dubai has been seen eating a casual lunch in DIFC, inviting those around him.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi was spotted sitting next to a little girl on the curb who was lost until her father came to pick her up. He had offered to drive her home but she said she wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers, so he parked down right beside her on the curb and waited with her.

Sheikh Zayed is honored all over the UAE and there’s no doubt as to why. He was a phenomenal leader, may he rest in peace.